Thanks for that, heymccall!
Well at it turns out, I did not bid on the 259b3 as it went above my price range very quickly. It sold in the low $30k's and left me no headroom for attachments, etc. I'm still going to look into what you attached because I find it interesting. That was a good unit, too. 3400hr machine with 600 hrs on a new engine. Although the cost of that repair right out of the gate would've stung.
I ended up with a straight old 257. I know about the ASV undercarriage but I checked it out and it seemed tight, no leaks, not a whole lot of rust on the machine, 2200 hrs, tracks about 60% remaining. I wouldn't mind upgrading to more power later but for now I'll take my chances with that undercarriage. I seem to have picked it up for a very appropriate price.
Anyway, it's my first CTL so it's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. Why do I feel like this 257 is my gateway drug? lol
IIRC, that assy does require a press and special tooling to disassemble and reassemble. The duocone seal is leaking.
Best bet is to get a quote from a Cat dealer for replacement of the seal. The quote may not be accurate if was actually run with low oil. Then gears and such may be failed also.
An example of full replacement...
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